lokster71's review
4.0
I made the mistake of reading other people's comments on this collection below. Don't do that. It'll either make you second guess your own personal feelings or adding another one to your list of things about the human race that disappoints you.
I really enjoyed this collection. But then I have become a Tove Jansson fanboy in the last year or so. I suspect if Jansson was a British writer people would whine that she focuses too much on - and I'll paraphrase here for hyperbole - 'the metropolitan elite'. And yes, a lot of these stories focus on arts and crafts.
Yet, I think there's an understanding of humanity here. Empathy I believe you'd call it. It makes these stories feel emotionally true even when they take an odd turn. These are stories for perfectionists, for the indecisive etc. She is also great at expressing the impact of the creative drive on people.
I liked them. You might not. It's art. Enjoy it. Don't enjoy it.
I really enjoyed this collection. But then I have become a Tove Jansson fanboy in the last year or so. I suspect if Jansson was a British writer people would whine that she focuses too much on - and I'll paraphrase here for hyperbole - 'the metropolitan elite'. And yes, a lot of these stories focus on arts and crafts.
Yet, I think there's an understanding of humanity here. Empathy I believe you'd call it. It makes these stories feel emotionally true even when they take an odd turn. These are stories for perfectionists, for the indecisive etc. She is also great at expressing the impact of the creative drive on people.
I liked them. You might not. It's art. Enjoy it. Don't enjoy it.
fishface's review
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Averaging three stars :)
As usual with a short story collection there are some hits (yay!) and misses (boo!)
Hits: Art in Nature, The Monkey, The Doll's House, A Leading Role, The Great Journey
Misses: The Cartoonist, White Lady, A Sense of Time, The Locomotive, Flower Child, A Memory from the New World
I'm feeling inspired to check out some of Tove Jansson's novels now. I'm guessing The Summer Book is the best place to start?
As usual with a short story collection there are some hits (yay!) and misses (boo!)
Hits: Art in Nature, The Monkey, The Doll's House, A Leading Role, The Great Journey
Misses: The Cartoonist, White Lady, A Sense of Time, The Locomotive, Flower Child, A Memory from the New World
I'm feeling inspired to check out some of Tove Jansson's novels now. I'm guessing The Summer Book is the best place to start?
kimswhims's review
3.0
Interesting collection of short stories but I was expecting more of a Finish influence and a nature writing experience which I didn't get. The stories could be set just about anywhere are are more about the people than about the setting. All good but not what I was hoping for.
denigu's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
itsneverbecky's review
4.0
This is brilliantly translated, this book is imbued with the spirit of Tove Jansson. Reads like a modern Scandi gothic, each story has a distinct feel & lesson to learn